The Chicago Red Stars came within a whisker of becoming the first team to win at Los Angeles Sol before Camille Abily scored a 90th-minute equaliser for the runaway WPS leaders.

In the American league's first midweek match, Chicago were on course to spectacularly break a three-match losing streak when Brazil star Cristiane scored with fewer than three minutes to play at the Home Depot Center.

But LA showed why they are top by hitting back in the last minute, to open up a nine-point gap from second-place Washington Freedom, who have played two fewer matches.

Last-gasp: Camille Abily celebrates scoring LA's equaliser

HOW THEY STAND

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

L.A.

10

6

3

1

12

3

21

Washington

8

3

3

2

15

15

12

Boston

8

3

2

3

10

11

11

Gold Pride

9

3

1

5

9

13

10

Chicago

8

2

3

3

7

7

9

Saint Louis

7

2

2

3

6

8

8

Sky Blue

8

2

2

4

6

8

8

London-born LA coach Abner Rogers was clearly relieved to fight back against a team led by his compatriot, former Arsenal Ladies coach Emma Hayes.

'We were slow coming out of the box tonight, but we played a much better second half,' said Rogers.

'Sometimes the standings and points don’t really reflect how good some of the teams are.

'Chicago is a very difficult team to beat, but we showed a lot of character at the end of tonight’s game.'

LA came close to opening the scoring in the 25th minute when Brazil star Marta put Abily through and the France midfielder dribbled the ball into the box before being stopped at point blank range by Chicago goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson.

FIXTURES

SUNDAY
FC Gold Pride v Chicago

Los Angeles v Washington

Saint Louis v Sky Blue FC

Marta shot from outside the penalty box soon after, but the ball was pushed aside by Jonsson. After numerous chances from each side, the Chicago got on the board in the 88th minute when Cristiane, assisted by Ella Masar, drove the ball past LA goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc.

But the lead was short-lived. Marta’s late attempt from outside the box bounced off the left post and right to the feet of Abily, who jumped scored to tie the match.

Meanwhile, Washington Freedom midfielder Sonia Bompastor has won the WPS Player of the Month Award for May.